EMBRACE THE STRUGGLE!

Everyone has seen the posts on instagram, Facebook, and twitter that I'm embarking on a new journey... It's called personal training!  Some might say "figures", while others who knew me 10 years ago at 226lbs would think "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Alison Hager Is doing WHAT!?!?" MY PLAN vs GOD's PLAN: I graduated high school and went to a Christian liberal arts college to get a degree in education with the end results of wanting to be a missionary.  However, after doors closing and financially not being able to support myself I started teaching in my home town.  Lack of teaching positions available, I found a retail job.  I sought management and worked a couple hours at my gym, because I figured it'd be a good way to stay fit and earn some extra money.  A year later, I was ask to join staff as a full time personal trainer which i start tomorrow!  When this position was offered to me a couple weeks ago, I was ecstatic because I truly believe that God allowed all my challenges of illnesses, surgeries, family deaths, and closing doors to build character within me.  For the longest time I would say, "WHY ME" and my mom would say "God is preparing you for something, WAIT!"  And I have... I've gone through this process like the ugly duckling.  I was once the girl to be made fun of at school for being obese.  I was once the girl to gorge my feelings after school.  I was the girl to sit at home by myself because it was easier to do nothing.  But after chosing to do something for myself and say who cares what everyone else thinks or says... I lost 90lbs and gained MY LIFE!  It was the experience though it that built me!  I've learned that flakes come and go.  People will always have something to say.  But it's the consistency that gets results.  One cannot lose heart or focus. Workouts are more than sweating and losing weight.  Workouts are about gaining yourself.  About getting stronger mentally and emotionally.  About gaining a whole knew self respect for yourself and it takes discipline to do so.  I encourage you all no matter where you are in life... Remember: it's the struggle and challenge that makes the view at the mountain top breathless- embrace it! #BeBlessed A

Gym & Church Two places that are misinterpreted... Scenario 1:  I recently invited an individual to my spin class and she said, "YEAH RIGHT! Maybe when I'm 20lbs lighter!". Rolling my eyes at her I said, "we could move those 20lbs along fast if you came to spin".  She laughed and changed subjects. Scenario 2:  I was talking with an individual about life in general.  They said they felt like since they were young and single, they would live wild now and then start going to church and living by rules when they got married and had children. Both situations are puzzling to me because both individuals missed the boat on why these two places exist in the first place.  There is no way I'm saying I have my life all figured out and never make poor choices, but in my opinion, neither of these statements are what the gym or church are all about! I personally view the two places as buildings where self evaluation and work begin.  Let us be real... None of us are perfect... We all have our weaknesses, but we also have our strengths.   I go to the gym to work out my body.  More specifically, work on losing my dreadful stomach fat!  There is ALWAYS something I can be doing to improve myself.  At church, lessons learned and much reflection as well.  Am I too prideful? Am I giving enough? Am I loving others?  BUT THE BOTTOM LINE... I go there to IMPROVE myself.  The people at both places are there working on THEM!  So many times we judge ourselves before anyone else even does.  I say this because I relate! I once said "I'd NEVER go to a gym because the people there are so judgemental... But the funny thing is, I ONCE said that about attending a church and becoming a Christian. Now, I view both places with the most amount of people with the greatest potential! I have to challenge you in your thinking.  Your mind is what will ALWAYS hold you back if you allow it to.  If you won't go to the gym, get a trainer, open your bible attend church, pray, ASK FOR HELP... You Aren't going to get anywhere! My biggest lessons have come through my struggle and I finally ASKED for help.   Challenge: stop being so prideful and humble yourself.  Lessons to be learned when you finally open yourself up to LEARNING over HAVING ALL THE ANSWERS. KNOW: you are not perfect!  I'm all about progression over perfection! Let's get after this week! BeBlessed A

Eat to live NOT Live to Eat!..

Take a look at your hand, and take a look at someone else's hand. Take a look at each others lines and curves and imprints... No two peoples are the exact same... I was thinking about this the last two days when I made a trip with two other trainers to listen to Mark Slavin speak on biomechanics of Strength Training. All three of us set off on our little drive with the plan to grab something to eat when we reached our destination. However, (I'm that dorky girl who plans out every meal and snack because I'm trying to get ride of my belly fat) I packed my lunch and so forth... I stopped at Subway for the fellas after we had reached our destination.  I ate my broccoli, chicken, almonds and protein shakes and when we went out to eat... Plain chicken salad.  Then, today for lunch, the guys desired to eat CiCi's pizza. I didn't want to be rude, but I flat out said no, let's go to Subway so I can get a salad.  They were nice about it, but questioned my mentality. I heard, "you do need carbs you know..." and I agree. BUT my response was no carbs. Then the one guy wanted to go into there are carbs in this and that and I stopped him.  I said NO GRAINS right now.  Really, I don't care what he thought at that point in time because the old me would have not wanted to argue and just say "your right" and indulge in a sandwich. BUT THIS IS A LESSON LEARNED... stop listening to everyone else! I graduated with a degree in elementary education and special education. In special education... There are so many children with a variety of disorders.  Special educators create IEP's (individual education plan) to set the students up for success. Not every child or plan is the same.  We work with each student to reach the end goal, whatever that may be. And that is how I see training others and myself... I have alway stored extra belly fat because of my thyroid disorder.  I have to be more strategic with my diet. I cut out grains and stick to a very basic and bland diet because I know it works! Some say, "that's boring! Your not living life!". I'm going to correct you... If your living for the next best taste of food, we have a problem. You should "eat to live, NOT "live to eat".  I don't disagree and say, "never eat grains"! I say for now and the goal of finding "MY" six pack, I'm sticking to my diet and exercise plan my trainer has set up with me.  I can't lose focus on what I hear from this person or that person... I have to stay focused and eat clean.  I challenge you to look at your goals. Are you following through with the plan to get to your end result!? No, YOUR PLAN may not look like person A, B, or C... BUT your also don't look like person A, B, or C. So stop looking around and achieve your own greatness!  BeBlessed

The BIKE RIDE...

Today as I was driving home from work I approached an intersection with a stop sign. I noticed a dad coaching his daughter along on her bike as the little brother was strapped into a seat on his own bike. They must have been out for an evening ride. I slowed down way before the stop sign because I wasn't sure how good the little girl was at stopping. I heard the dad yell at her to stop and she really wasn't slowing down. I stopped so the dad would know I saw his daughter. He yelled at her again to stop and I saw this look of panic on her face. She obviously hadn't been riding too long because her ability to stop was lacking... She pulled the jump off and let the bike go option. She landed in the grass (no I didn't hit her, I was stopped) but her reaction made me reflect back to going riding with my dad and brother while my mom made dinner... The little girl jumped up and looked right at her dad with fists clinched exclaiming, "I HATE THIS STUPID BIKE! I NEVER WANT TO DO THIS, I'M WALKING HOME!" I went ahead, waved at the dad and turned to continue home. However, my mind kept going... Two things about me... I will admit, I have more attitude and sarcastic remarks then one should. I also have ALWAYS had the mentality that "If I can't do it right the first time and be the best, I DON'T WANT TO DO IT". I can remember doing that very same thing do my dad when I wrecked my bike, I was so mad that I had ruined my little pink Pom Poms that hung from my handle bars, I threw my bike back down and left it for my dad to walk back. (Yes, I did get scolded for that! Haha!) Anyways that is something I have had to overcome as I got older... So many times in life we head down this journey thinking it's going to be a down hill journey. That there will be no hills, turns, or gravel. That it's going to be EASY! However, when we hit a bump and fall off, we get mad and clinch our fists and tell God he doesn't know what he's doing. But just like the dad was yelling at the young girl to slow down a block before the stop sign, she wasn't listening. The same goes for us... We have to lose our I KNOW everything attitude and listen. This is where I continue to practice. When it comes to training, I have to listen to others. If Im wanting a result but not getting anywhere, I better be changing something. Only a foolish person keeps doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result! Listen and learn from others! We aren't meant to live this life alone. God places people in our lives to sometimes tell us to "slow down". Known this, my success this last week is taking time to reflect on my blessings, but also look at my future. What is important to me and what doors is He opening? What people is He placing in my life to grow and challenge me? I ask you the same question... Are you trying to do it alone... Allow to let others into your life. Ask for help, AND LISTEN! Stop clinching those fists and and yelling... Maybe He has something to say... BeBlessed

FIT NOT SKINNY!

I always seem to have an experience where I'm blown away by something that someone thinks and then says...  I was at work the other day when a gentleman who is a member at my gym came in and was getting something small.  I made a short comment about always seeing him there and he nodded and smiled.  My coworker then joked about how she should workout more and then laughed. It's a little joke between us because everyone I work with knows my passion for hardcore workouts and eating clean.  However, while the two of us were laughing, he said "well your skinny... You don't HAVE to workout! People like "us" (Yes, he was INCLUDING ME) have to workout!". I literally wanted to grab the guy by the neck for including me in "his" standards of fitness...But even more for believing the idea that if you don't have a huge bulging muffin top... You don't NEED to workout. I hear people say to friends and family "well you don't have to workout, your skinny".  Yes! Exactly! You're skinny! Reality... there is NO DIFFERENCE between an obese person who eats terrible and a thin person who eats terrible.  The individuals are at the same amount of risk that goes along with being over weight.  The body is meant to move and fed well.  Every time we feed our body toxic sugars and large amounts of fat your harming your body.  Every time you chose to sit and do nothing instead of getting out and active, your harming your body.  What am I getting at...? No, you don't have to be a fitness model, but be conscious of your body and if your helping it or harming it.  I always think... I can invest the time NOW or I will be forced to invest later with doctors and medication. NO THANKS! I want to honor my body that God has blessed me with! So what are you doing!? Are your taking care of the body the Lord has given you or are you wearing it down? I challenge to take time to invest in your own well being. #BeBlessed A

What did YOU do this weekend?

What I had the OPPORTUNITY TO DO:  

The people behind making this race! THANK YOU!

If you had read my blog from last week this was the weekend to run the 10k in Shawnee, KS for Run For Mercy.  http://www.runformercy.org/site/PageServer.  "Oceans of Mercy, Inc. is dedicated to help turn the tide against AIDS and poverty in South Africa. Through its many programs the organization promotes a holistic approach to social, physical and spiritual development where children and adults will be empowered to grow to their full potential."  I couldn't have been more honored to be invited as an honorary runner, but more so, HUMBLED as I met others with AMAZING stories at this event!

Here's who the event was for:

I always have to share my thoughts on my races, especially this one.  As for the race, Hills Hills Hills! Oh my quads.  I remember my old track coach telling me when it comes to hills you have to pump those arms, dig deep, and focus on relaxing your breathing.  So I did!  But post-race, my quads are SORE!

As for WHY I was there... To ENCOURAGE!  What I do best!  I couldn't have been more honored to be at this race to encourage others along the way.  If you follow me on twitter or facebook, you'll see my numerous posts about ENCOURAGEMENT. I truly believe that it goes a long way. Smiles go along way, and how you treat others goes a long way.  As I was running back to meet the last running one lady specifically said: "Thank you- BEAUTIFUL SMILE"  I couldn't help but smile bigger!  Encouragement is contagious, it's something that overflows within you.  And honestly, my love and joy comes from the Lord that I have faith in.  The one who saved me.  The one who we celebrate his resurrection tomorrow!  This race couldn't have been at a better time!

So as for actually running those darn hills, the exact picture in my head was...  If you've watched the Passion of the Christ, the clip where Christ carried the cross on his back UP the hill.  I kept thinking of the pain of MY sins he carried to the cross.  I kept picturing all these faces above and how there is not a single one of them that God doesn't know about.  That this little burning in my legs doesn't touch the pain they suffer through being affected/infected by the AID epidemic.  And so I kept running.  I refused to walk as every muscle continued to burn.  Then, at mile 4 the song "Just Stand Up" came on.  The song was actually done by several well known ladies in campaign for women with breast cancer.  But as I listened to the words, I found the energy to push through the race. 

Here are the words:
or hear/watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAhpdXMh7NY




ALL:
Every Thing Will Be Alright
Rihanna:yeah
Beyonce:
The Heart Is Stronger
Than You Think
It's Like It Can Go
Through Anything
And Even When You Think
It Can't It Finds A Way
To Still Push On
Though

Carrie Underwood:
Sometimes
You Want To Run Away
Ain't Got The Patience
For The Pain
And If You
Don't Believe It
Look Into
Your Heart
The Beat Goes On

Rihanna:
I'm Tellin' You

Miley Cyrus:
Things Get Better
Through Whatever

Rihanna:
If You Fall

Miley Cyrus:
Dust It Off
Don't Let Up

Sheryl Crow:
Don't You Know
You Can Go
Be Your Own Miracle

Beyonce:
You Need To Know...

Chorus (Sheryl Crow):
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up

Sheryl Crow/Beyoncé:
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up

Fergie:
It's Like
We All Have Better Days
Problems Getting All Up
In Your Face

Leona Lewis:
Just Because
You Go Through It

Fergie:
Don't Mean It Got
To Take Control, No

Leona Lewis:
You Ain't Gotta Find
No Hiding Place

Keyshia Cole:
Because The Heart
Can Beat The Hate

Leona Lewis:
Don't Wanna
Let Your Mind
Keep Playin' You

Keyshia Cole:
And Sayin' You
Can't Go On

Rihanna:
I'm Tellin' You

Miley Cyrus:
Things Get Better
Through Whatever

Rihanna:
If You Fall

Miley Cyrus:
Dust If Off
Don't Let Up

LeAnn Rimes:
Don't You Know You

Natasha Bedingfield:
Can Go

LeAnn Rimes:
Be Your Own

Natasha Bedingfield:
Miracle

Carrie Underwood:
You Need To Know

[Chorus-All]
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up

Mary J. Blige:
You Don't Gotta Be
A Prisoner
In Your Mind

Ciara:
If You Fall
Dust It Off

Mary J. Blige:
You Can Live Your Life

Rihanna/Carrie Underwood:
Yeah

Mary J. Blige:
Let Your Heart
Be Your Guide

Rihanna/Carrie:
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Mariah Carey:
And You Will Know
That You're Good
If You Trust In The Good

Ashanti:
Everything
Will Be Alright, Yeah
Light Up The Dark
If You Follow Your Heart

Mary J. Blige:
And It Will Get Better

Mariah Carey:
Through Whatever

[Chorus-All]
If The Mind
Keeps Thinking
You've Had Enough
But The Heart
Keeps Telling You
Don't Give Up
Who Are We To Be
Questioning
Wondering What Is What
Don't Give Up
Through It All
Just Stand Up

Fergie:
You Got It In You
Find It Within
You Got In Ya
Find It Within Now
You Got In You
Find It Within
You Got In Ya
Find It Within Now
You Got In You
Find It Within
You Got It In You
Find It Within
Find It Within You
Find It Within

Through It All, Just Stand Up!

I loved this song because it really was all about pushing on, pushing forward and getting back up after you have fallen down.  I once heard a quote that went something along the lines of... if you always stay at the base of the hill you will never get to experience the breathtaking view at the top.  No matter what little or big hill or mountain your climbing currently, know that you can find strength within.  Dig deep and finish what you have set out to do.  However, if you debating to even start... NOW is your time... Get going and don't give up.  Reach the top and look back at your struggles, look back at what you've accomplished and set a new goal.

This weeks SUCCESS: stepping outside of my comfort zone to give my love and support for Gods people!
"The first shall be last, the last shall be first" -Matthew 20:16
Happy EASTER!!! Be Blessed!

9th Annual Run For Mercy 5K & 10K Walk-Run In one week from today, I'll be apart of one awesome race! Yes... Easter weekend I'll be headed to Shawnee, KS for a race to raise money for children infected/affected by the AIDs epidemic in South Africa. The idea behind this race is "Nobody Finishes Last" and I couldn't be more thrilled. Once being a 226lb individual, losing my weight, and then signing up to be apart of any race was terrifying! The scariest part was that I would come in last, which is why I put off signing up for any race. "Why sign up when I knew I'd come in last"? I didn't need my self esteem any lower! However, after my first race, I realized I didn't come in last and I loved every minute of every race I've ever done since then! But for those who are still scared... This race is for you! The campaign is "Nobody Finishes Last". You maybe ask how is that possible... Myself and another individual were asked to be apart of the race and to actually Finish Last. I couldn't be more honored to be apart of such an awesome event. It encourages everyone to be apart of more then a race, but more of what God is doing. It demonstrates exactly what God has called us to do and that is to LOVE each other. Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' – Matthew 22:37-39 By coming together to encourage each other at this race and raise money for children fallen victim to AIDs, we will be honoring Him! I will gladly come in last to know Him children will be encouraged by our efforts. If you want to know more about possibly running this race, praying for our efforts, donating, or just the efforts of Oceans Of Mercy ministry please check out the following: Www.oceansofmercy.com/events/run-for-mercy.html Facebook.com/RunForMercy Twitter.com/RunForMercy Pinterest.com/RunForMercy Please keep myself and all those participating next Saturday in your prayers! BeBlessed